Biography of Mark Richardson (cricketer)

Mark Richardson (born 11 June 1971) is a former New Zealand cricketer. He represented New Zealand in 38 Tests from 2000 to 2004.

Richardson began his career as a left-arm spinner, batting at number 10. When his bowling ability left him, he worked on developing his batting, to the point where he was selected as an opening batsman for New Zealand, at age 29. His dour approach to batting provided vital stability to New Zealand’s innings.

Richardson scored 2776 Test runs at an average of 44.77, including four centuries and 19 fifties. His sole test wicket came in a match against Pakistan in 2001, dismissing Yousuf Youhana caught and bowled for 203.

In addition to his batting style, Richardson was noted for his slow running; he developed a tradition to challenge the slowest runner of the opposing side to a foot race at the conclusion of each tour.

He retired from all cricket in December 2004, saying he could not sustain the intensity needed to compete at international level. He noted that he finished with “a Test bowling average that is better than Sir Richard Hadlee’s (22.29), and a 50-50 record in the end-of-series running race.” He also scored 9,994 first-class runs (a figure very similar to Sir Donald Bradman’s test batting average).